Along with Finger Peak. From the Rancheria trailhead shortcut up Blue Canyon, return via Burnt Mtn Pass. Traversed from Finger to Tunemah thru the Class 2 pass 0.5mi NE of Dykeman Pass. Beyond Crown Valley the trail is not maintained and is completely overgrown in places, but is still mostly in decent shape until it peters out after Big Meadow. A delightful long forest hike through big pines.

Camped in the headwaters of Crown Creek (an adventure just getting there). Climbed Tunemah first (crappy but great views) and then worked the ridge over several bumps, Tunemah Lake, then Blue Canyon Peak, and finally Finger Peak. The quality of the climb along the ridge ranged from good to fair. Pictures

First peak climbed as part of a weeklong backpacking trip with my friend Doug, Mr. 7x himself. Approach via Rancheria TH and Coyote Pass (the Mountain Meadow and Blue Canyon campsites rank as the best ones I've encountered yet!). Crossing the Pass was the cross-country adventure of the week, rambling through wild forests. The climb wasn't anything spectacular, but if you're looking for wilderness in its truest sense, look no farther. Oh, and yes, GREAT views of the Middle Fork of the Kings River for all you "I'm looking for a first-ascent" rock climbers - there are plenty to go around here. Much much respect to Matthew for such a valiant accomplishment!

A long, exhausting dayhike out of the Rancheria Trailhead, using almost all of my alloted 24 hours to tag this and Finger Peak. By far the toughest day I've spent in the Sierra yet. Lost a couple of hours thrashing about looking for the trail by headlamp in the morning, only finding it again when the sun rose and I could spot Kettle Dome through the trees to reorient myself. The return via Crown Creek was much more pleasant through some beautiful slabs, even allowing for the jogging (okay, running) I had to do just to make it back to my car in 24 hours.

This is one of the few Sierra peaks I've climbed that I think may be better done as a backpack.